Good communication in psychiatry – a conceptual review

Abstract

Background The communication between clinician and patient is the basis of psychiatric treatment. However, there has been little practical attention to training in it, and no specific theory of what constitutes good communication in psychiatry has been developed. This review aims to identify principles that guide good communication. Methods A conceptual review of guiding principles for how clinicians should communicate with patients to achieve clinical objectives in psychiatry. Results Five guiding principles for clinicians were identified: a focus on the patient's concerns; positive regard and personal respect; appropriate involvement of patients in decision making; genuineness with a personal touch; and the use of a psychological treatment model. Conclusions The principles are mostly generic, but their implementation can be particularly challenging in psychiatry. They may guide further empirical research on effective communication in psychiatry and be utilised using different personal skills of clinicians.